Well how do you like that!
Momma N can't decide if it's still Fall (as the calendar indicates), or if Winter should arrive early. It's warm, then it's freezing cold, then it feels like Spring has sprung...all in a matter of days.
Honestly, as if acclimating to the change of seasons isn't tough enough, this back-and-forth business is crazy. As an outdoor enthusiast, I find my body is in a constant state of confusion as to what feels comfortable, LOL.
This week really had me questioning a lot of things, and not just in terms of what to wear...
Before I delve into the deets of the week, welcome to the
Weekly Run Down.
I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 8:00AM (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)
Anyways, here's what went down this week in my little world of fitness and fun:
A hot and steamy Sunday (inside)
With nothing major on the agenda, I took my time in rising and shining. I was craving a longish ride, and it's now too cold (and far too windy) for outdoor biking. So, I camped-out on the spin bike for 20 miles, thank you very much. And, it didn't take long to remember just how hot it gets without the benefit of an outdoor breeze or fresh air. Even with the fan blowing on me, I had to shed the top layer (#iykyk). Later in the afternoon sunshine, I got out for a 2-mile walk.
Another never-miss-a-Monday
The morning was cold and dark (so typical this time of year), and it also was quite breezy. I opted for some upper-body work, instead, and postponed the Monday run for after work.
Although the temps had warmed a little, and the sun was blindingly bright, the wind was still a force to be reckoned with. I decided to drive over to Arbor Lake for some wind shelter. Three laps later (and three miles done), I called it good.
What's with the wind, dear Tuesday???
I kid you not, the temps were sitting at 30F (with a 14F feels-like), thanks to the 34mph wind! Needless to say, I kept it inside and hopped on the bike for 10 miles of Power Zone cycling (and my trusty fan was all that when I finished). I kept procrastinating my #optoutside streak until, finally at 8:00, the wind had died down to 10mph. I got outside for a brisk 1-mile walk and admired some of the Halloween lights in the neighborhood. What a cold night for trick-or-treating!
Double Workout Wednesday
It was another chilly morning, this time with legit frost on the ground! With the single-digit mph wind, though, it didn't feel too painful (I can't believe I just wrote that, LOL). I met Barb and Allison for the weekly #5at5, and all went well. The temps were much warmer by lunchtime, so my friend and I got in a 1-mile walk in the afternoon. After work, I knocked out 10 miles on the spin bike (no pics, but I pinky swear it really happened).
Thankful Thursday...
It's a given I don't like my mornings to be easy-peasy, and this Thursday was no exception. The morning started with a 5:00 virtual meet-up with
Deb (two miles of running and four miles on the spin bike).
After that, I got in some full-body strength work (via Peloton). Yes, I was tired when finished, but feeling good. Like, really good. Tired muscles are happy muscles.
Friday fitness? Low-impact for the win!
Nothing ground-breaking, but the early morning 2-mile walk in my hilly 'hood was invigorating! I have a series of blocks I alternate between, and get a lot of hill climbing in the process. I did some stretching afterwards, and (oops!) noticed I was wearing mismatched socks, LOL.
Hello, Saturday sunrise! It's been awhile!
It really is the little things, am I right? I can't remember when my last sunrise run happened, but Saturday's 7-miler was pretty sweet. Afterwards, I did a very short 3-mile ride (inside, obviously) to loosen-up the legs and also mistakenly cued-up JJ's arms/shoulders workout thinking it was a 10-minute "light weights/high reps" workout. Major mistake, LOL, because those 10 minutes were pretty humbling. Another reminder to not take those short workouts for granted, my friends. There is no downtime nor recovery between sets, so a lot gets done in a very short time span (which isn't a bad thing). Then it was off to an afternoon and evening of college football shindigs and whatnot.
...and what's happening on Sunday?
Sunday's weather is looking mild, as well, so there might be an early morning walk on the roster. I'm also thinking a long (indoor) bike ride might be a nice fitness fix in the dark early hours...so I may save the walking for the afternoon. We shall see...
So, how did the week play out? In a word, ideal. The cold and windy weather was pretty nasty the first half of the week, but things mellowed-out considerably on Thursday. Isn't it crazy? I woke up Friday morning, and saw the temps were in the high-40's, and I was almost ecstatic to have some "warm" weather back. Anyways, running saw 17 miles, biking had 47 miles, and walking had a measly 13 miles. I got in some decent strength work, which is always worthwhile.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. Anyone else a fan of square necklines? I think they're my favorite (but scoop necklines are a very close second). I'm also a fan of the color red, skinny jeans, and distressed denim. So, basically I was in fashion heaven (or so it may have appeared) on Friday.
Garmin surprised me with the Halloween badge after my 10-mile Power Zone ride, Tuesday morning. Whew! That ride was a hot one, so it's fitting to have the badge to show for my efforts on that especially cold day.
So, there you go! That's the latest and greatest in my little fitness-inspired corner of the world.
How was your week? Did you usher-in November with some great workouts? Are you looking forward to seeing a few more sunrises, after the time change (at least for a few more weeks)? Any big races coming up? Any new workouts or training programs rocking your world?
It's nice to have indoor options when the wind wants to blow you away, isn't it? And did you know the kids nowadays are all about mismatched socks?
ReplyDeleteThe wind was downright cruel last week (and seems to be in contention to repeat its antics this week. Such is the Iowa weather! I remember the mismatched socks was a big craze 10-12 years ago, apparently it's resurfacing, huh!
DeleteWhat a crazy weather week you had! Ours fluctuated a bit, too, but not nearly as wildly as yours. I think it's supposed to be a little milder this week here, though.
ReplyDeleteThe Garmin Halloween badge was a fun treat!
It was 63F this afternoon! How's that for a fluctuation ;-)
DeleteIt is definitely nice to have so many fitness options when the weather does not cooperate. I am missing the best running temps! Enjoy them for me! Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for all my indoor options, though it's no secret I'd much rather be outside. Oh well, it's that time of the year...
Delete14F feels like??? Brrr....Good thing you have that spin bike! You had some nice runs this week and I love that sunrise on Saturday. Yes, I'm excited about the time change! It will be nice to see the sun rise during our runs for a while.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have my sunrise(s) back, even if it's only for a short while. The comfort is that we're moving towards the Winter Solstice...and then we can look forward to things getting lighter and brighter, LOL.
DeleteWe haven't gotten as cold as Iowa but we had full on SNOW on Halloween. The flakes started flying during trick o treat and we had a legit inch or two on the ground the next day. But since then things have gotten mild.
ReplyDeleteYes in a perfect world the weather would be great everyday, but I do love gettin' steamy inside and then having those days that are nice enough to run outside.
I'm glad we haven't had any of the white stuff yet. It was in last Sunday's forecast, but was a no-show (yay!!!!).
DeleteMy race is coming on Saturday! I am very happy about the time change. That will get me outside for a few more weeks of early running. Interesting - square and scoop necklines are my least favorite (on me)! I get too cold having an exposed upper chest, so I'm usually always covered. Even in the summer I prefer a high neckline.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting about the necklines ;-) I don't like crew necks on me because they seem too tight/confining (?). But, I don't mind turtle necks in the colder months (but hate mock-necks, LOL).
DeleteFrom your weather I was almost about to ask whether you've moved to Ireland, lol! Minus the frost, thank goodness. Well done going out early mornings with that kind of weather. It's so hard getting used to the cold season approaching!
ReplyDeleteHigh rep workouts are so hard! My trainer has sometimes given me a high rep program with 14 reps and that's much enough for me to struggle. It's good endurance & mental training!
The high reps really have a way of sneaking up on you, don't they! They certainly are a very thorough use of ones time, though.
DeleteI am not looking forward to it getting dark earlier! But it is what it is. We had that one morning in the mid 20s & a definite hard freeze -- after using the AC previously, LOL!
ReplyDeleteShort almost never means easy. ;)
I'm so used to the dark mornings, these next few weeks are a nice bonus of early morning daylight (though it's not that big of a difference since I'm up SO early most mornings anyways). But, I'll take what I can get since it's moving me towards Spring (eventually, that is!).
DeleteYou had a great week - although I hear you, the changing temps have been a little crazy. Here too, although not quite as capricious as where you are... but one day I am running in shorts and t-shirt, the next day in thermal pants and long sleeves LOL and it's so dark when I get up. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI love a nice square neckline, but I think scoop neck is still my favorite :)
I much prefer a wider neckline, too. They're more flattering on me (well, at least I think they are). We have a somewhat mild week in the forecast again. It's not going to be summer-like, but will feel warm in comparison to the extreme cold we had last week.
DeleteGreat week, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThe hardest part of the change of seasons is remembering what to wear! We had some chilly mornings last week, but will see the 70s this week.
We had such a crazy weather week too - snow, sun, frost, wind .. sounds like yours! I can't keep up and figure out what to wear on my runs. I prefer not having to bundle up though - I think my fave is 40s. I hate it getting dark earlier but do love it brighter in the mornings! (though sadly it is still dark when I run)
ReplyDeletethat's some wild weather, but you made the most of it as always! Wasn't there some debate about ending daylight savings? I don't mind it as a morning runner, but walking the dogs after work is a little less fun in the dark :) Great week Kim!
ReplyDeleteHere rain and wind too but not cold. The wind was so strong that in the port some cruise ships couldn't moor.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has still been pretty mild here and perfect for running! I've been enjoying the earlier sunrises ( for now). I know it's going to be cold soon! You had a great week of workouts !
ReplyDelete